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Wildfires Spark Concerns Over 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Why in the news?

Amid devastating California wildfires, concerns have arisen about the safety and feasibility of hosting the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. U.S. President-elect Trump has reaffirmed support, while critics question logistical and financial challenges.

Concerns Over Hosting Amid Wildfires:

• Casey Wasserman, head of LA Olympics organizing committee, met U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to discuss concerns over hosting the Olympics in wildfire-stricken California.
• Amid calls to relocate the Games to Dallas or Miami, Trump reaffirmed his support for hosting in LA, calling it “America’s Olympics.”
• Critics cite the unprecedented wildfires, which have claimed 24 lives, destroyed 10,000 structures, and caused damages exceeding $135 billion, as reasons to reconsider the location.

Logistical and Safety Challenges

• Though none of the 50 planned venues were directly affected, some, including the Riviera Country Club and Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, are near wildfire-affected zones.
• Simon Chadwick, a sports economist, warned LA 2028 could become an “uninsurable mega-event” due to increasing wildfire risks.
• Studies reveal California’s high-severity wildfires have increased by 10% per decade since 1981, when LA last hosted the Olympics.
• Despite criticisms, no official discussions have occurred about canceling or relocating the Games.

Rebranding the Games as a Recovery Opportunity

• California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled LA 2028 the “Recovery Games”, emphasizing its potential to rebuild and unite communities post-wildfire devastation.
• Drawing inspiration from previous events like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which boosted morale after Japan’s 2011 disasters, LA aims to showcase resilience and transformation.
• LA is also set to host the FIFA World Cup (2026) and Super Bowl (2027), underlining its preparedness for global events.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times